URBED, Regeneris Consulting and MEC (UK) Ltd have undertaken a feasibility study for the World Mile Concept, first rooted five years ago, which was taken up in Will Alsop's Bradford Masterplan and further developed in the Market Neighbourhood Development framework. The Bradford Asian Trade Link (ATL) has also had an ongoing interest in developing a cultural destination in the White Abbey Road area for a number of years.

The World Mile, as described in the Market NDF, is a broadly based concept that seeks to celebrate and promote the cosmopolitan nature of Bradford along a linear corridor running north-west from the City Centre. The corridor starts at Ivegate in the city centre and continues up Westgate and White Abbey Road.

Commissioned by BCR, this project is designed to create a specialist and culturally focused shopping and leisure destination, with the World Mile becoming a city centre zone with its own unique identity. The purpose of this Feasibility Study has been to:

Firstly, test and re-affirm the broad vision that emerged from BCR in the preparation of the Market NDF and from ATL;

Secondly, set out the immediate steps required to further develop the World Mile concept and secure the necessary funding to make it happen and

Thirdly, identify the physical interventions that will form the basis of any large scale public sector investment in the World Mile.